How to Determine a Good VHF Marine Radio
Designed specifically for boating applications, very high frequency (VHF) marine radios operate on the FM band, have more power, produce a stronger signal and have greater range than standard citizen band (CB) radios. VHF radios have specifically designated emergency channels, reserved for distress calls, that are continually monitored by emergency responders, including the U.S. Coast Guard. VHF marine radios come in handheld and non-handheld models, and while the handheld models are portable, they do not have the power or range of mounted units.
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Instructions
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Choose a radio with a high power (wattage) output. Non-handheld models offer the highest wattage, up to 25 watts, and can transmit up to 30 miles. Handheld models are limited in power, to a five watts maximum, and as a result will only transmit a few miles.
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Select a radio with a public address feature that will allow you to communicate with people who may not have access to a radio.
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Pick a unit that with a power conservation feature that allows you to control wattage, turning the power down when communicating over shorter distances, allowing you to conserve battery power.
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Tips & Warnings
A permit is required to operate a VHF radio on certain vessels in some waters.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit sailboat image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
